Grand Final season is a bumper time for hotels but this year the added bonus of an interstate AFL team, a visit from royalty and an international pop phenomenon have resulted in record bookings in Melbourne and Sydney says Mantra Hotels.
The influx of Fremantle Dockers supporters into Melbourne for last weekend’s AFL Grand Final against Hawthorn resulted in record revenues and an overall RevPAR increase of 12% (YOY) across Mantra’s Melbourne hotels.
As expected Mantra on Jolimont – the closest apartment hotel to the MCG – filled first, closely followed by Mantra’s five other CBD hotels and even out to Mantra Tullamarine once Fremantle secured their place in the Grand Final.
“We were full in three of our CBD hotels prior to Fremantle getting through to the Grand Final but on Sunday and Monday the rooms filled quickly with Freo supporters,” said Mantra’s Director of Operations, Tomas Johnsson.
In Sydney, hotel bookings were already strong despite local NRL teams making it to the finals series but thanks to the upcoming visit by Prince Harry to officially open the International Fleet Review – marking the 100th year of Royal Australian Navy ships entering Sydney Harbour – hotels are at full capacity. Another Brit phenomenon, One Direction, are also doing their bit to ensure the city is pumping with a series of concerts.
Occupancies are expected to reach 100% at CBD hotels, Mantra 2 Bond Street and Mantra on Kent; with Chatswood and Parramatta hotels also filling quickly.
“Sydney has just been announced as the world’s best festival and event city and its capacity to attract the best arts, sport, festivals and big name acts to the city is a vital part of the its appeal,” Johnsson said.